Chemistry and Biochemistry

HPU offers a rigorous chemistry and biochemistry education that prepares students for graduate and health professional schools, as well as direct entry into the scientific workforce, through both conventional pathways and pre-health professions concentrations. Our chemistry program is modeled after the American Chemical Society (ACS) guidelines for undergraduate chemistry education while our biochemistry program is based on guidelines from the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB). All our students develop the intellectual, experimental, and communication skills needed to become effective scientific professionals. Our dedicated faculty work directly with students in hands-on experiences through undergraduate research and in our laboratory courses that are rich, relevant, and reflective of academic, industrial, and government laboratories.

Example career paths in chemistry and biochemistry:

Chemical industry

Medicine, dentistry, pharmacy

Graduate school in chemistry, biochemistry, engineering, and related fields

Teaching

Pharmaceutical and biotech jobs

Forensics labs

Diagnostics and analytical labs

What is Chemistry?

Chemistry is the study of matter which makes up everything in the universe, including ourselves and our planet. As such, chemistry is central to the natural sciences, serving as a foundation for all other disciplines – biochemistry, biology, genetics, environmental and marine sciences, engineering, and even astronomy. Chemistry is also an excellent foundation for all of the health professions including medical, pharmacy, dental, and veterinary sciences.

By studying chemistry, students develop an understanding of how the universe works at the fundamental molecular level. A strong background in chemistry can prepare students not only for service directly in the chemical arena (e.g. education, biotech companies, analytical chemistry, pharmaceutical research, synthesis, material sciences, quality control, etc.), but also for careers in many related disciplines (e.g. medical fields, environmental services, alternative fuels, etc.).

There is a wide range of career paths for students who major in chemistry. For more ideas, check out the American Chemical Society’s College to Careerpage, explore theirChemistry Careers, and view Chemist Profilesto get started in building your own unique career path.

What is Biochemistry?

Biochemistry is the study of the molecules and chemical reactions inside all living things. It is the discipline at the intersection of chemistry and biology that explores how thousands of different biomolecules organize into tens of thousands of biological functions that give rise to millions of different life forms. In short, biochemists use chemical knowledge and techniques to answer biological questions.

There are a wide range of career options for students who major in biochemistry. Because biological molecules are so fundamental to the function and interactions of organisms, biochemists study life at all levels – from individual molecules to entire ecosystems – making it an integral part of fields such as medicine, biomedical research, genetics, forensics, ecology, microbiology, plant sciences, zoology, and more. At the same time, training in biochemistry also develops transferable skills that allow biochemists to work in fields outside the sciences including law, cosmetic and food industries, manufacturing, publishing, sales/marketing, and many others. For more ideas, check out the Biochemical Society’s career guide and/or talk to our biochemistry faculty to get started in building your own unique career path.

Why HPU for Chemistry/Biochem?

Rigorous Bachelor of Science degrees in chemistry and biochemistry through which our students develop the intellectual, experimental, and communication skills needed to become effective scientific professionals

A chemistry program built upon the American Chemical Society (ACS) guidelines for undergraduate chemistry education

A biochemistry program built upon theAmerican Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology(ASBMB) guidelines for undergraduate biochemistry education

Small class sizes and dedicated facultywho work directly with students in hands-on experiences in research and in laboratory courses

Lab courses that are rich, relevant, and reflective of academic, industrial, and government laboratories

Research labs that are highly accessible, well-equipped, and well-supported, includingfunding from the National Institutes of Health

OurConventional Chemistry and Conventional Biochemistry pathwaysprepare students for graduate schools and direct entry into the scientific workforce while ourPre-Health ChemistryandPre-Health Biochemistryconcentrations prepare students for entry into medical, pharmacy, veterinary, and dental schools

Biochemistry Program Objectives

The Biochemistry program outcomes are:

Demonstrate an understanding of the basic and foundational chemical principles that provide significant insight into the functioning of living systems.

Demonstrate understanding of key concepts and principles regarding biochemical structures, principal biochemical pathways of living organisms and the molecular basis of biochemical processes

Demonstrate expertise in commonly used biochemical laboratory methods

Demonstrate an understanding of the theory and learn to operate a wide variety of advanced biochemical instrumentation.

Demonstrate an understanding of how to access and interpret literature in the field of biochemistry

Critically analyze experimental results

Present scientific information orally using visual aids

Communicate scientific information in written reports

Acquire and statistically analyze quantitative data

Solve biochemical problems quantitatively

Chemistry Program Objectives

The Chemistry program outcomes are:

Demonstrate an understanding of the basic and foundational chemical principles that provide significant insight into the functioning of the physical world.

Demonstrate understanding of the theory and learn to operate a wide variety of advanced chemical instrumentation.

Learn to access and interpret literature in the field of chemistry.

Critically analyze experimental results.

Present scientific information orally using visual aids.

Communicate scientific information in written reports.

Acquire and statistically analyze quantitative data.

Solve chemical problems quantitatively.

Admissions Requirements

Application

Transcripts

Personal Statement

$50 Application Fee

SAT I or ACT Scores (freshman only)

Letter of recommendation

Resume

Advanced Instrumentation

The Chemistry and Biochemistry Program creates high-impact hands-on training opportunities for the students in our instructional courses. While many universities restrict their advanced scientific instrumentation to research activities, at HPU, we’ve integrated our high-tech instrumentation into our teaching labs, training experienced student mentors to lead and supervise the instructional use of these instruments.

Our pre-health professions concentrations train students in the most essential chemistry and biochemistry curricula while preparing them for entrance into schools in the health professions. Admissions exams like the MCAT have substantial components covering general, organic, and biochemistry. These topics, along with math, become core areas of strength for chemistry and biochemistry majors who take the MCAT. At the same time, students in this concentration also take the biology courses needed for admissions to medical, pharmacy, veterinary, and dental schools. The program’s unrestricted electives allow students to further tailor their degree plan to complete the required and recommended courses for the professional schools of choice.

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

HPU chemistry and biochemistry faculty offer approximately 25 undergraduate biomedical research experiences each year. These students also frequently have the opportunity to present their work at scientific conferences and/or contribute to publications. If you are a Federal Work Study student or just want to volunteer, contact our faculty below to inquire as to whether there are open positions in their labs. One of our most successful student research programs is the INBRE Student Research Experiences (SRE) program. Contact Dr. David Horgen (dhorgen@hpu.edu) or apply at the INBRE SRE website.